indefinite amount of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indefinite amount of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a time period that is not specified or is uncertain. Example: "The project will take an indefinite amount of time to complete due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A stone simply lies on the ground for an indefinite amount of time.

Yale University

It's a burden knowing they have to keep things in order for an indefinite amount of time.

The New York Times

Under law, the judge is allowed an indefinite amount of time to accept or reject prosecutors' recommendations.

The New York Times

"People in receipt of those letters need to have a reasonable, if not an indefinite, amount of time to reply".

The Guardian

He said he had given witnesses a reasonable but not indefinite amount of time to respond and the judgment on what was reasonable depended on individual circumstances.

The Guardian

Depending on the scheduling of Nelson's treatment, he could join the team on its six-game road trip before missing an indefinite amount of time.

The New York Times - Sports

Another, Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, said: "Leaving behind tens of thousands of troops in Iraq for an indefinite amount of time is nothing new.

The New York Times

The rest of the applications were either denied or left "pending" for an indefinite amount of time, most for more than a year since being filed.

Harvard University

In other words, work will no longer be confined to employment contracts that require people to work at least eight hours a day for an indefinite amount of time for a corporation.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We received offers for free office space for indefinite amounts of time today".

The New York Times

Prisoners can be held for indefinite amounts of time, depending on their offenses and gang affiliations.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indefinite amount of time", ensure the context clearly communicates the uncertainty of the duration. Avoid vagueness by providing any known boundaries or related conditions, even if the exact timeframe remains unknown.

Common error

Don't confuse "indefinite amount of time" with an infinite duration. Indefinite simply means the duration is not yet determined or specified, not that it will last forever. Make sure your context accurately reflects this distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indefinite amount of time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses by specifying the duration of an action or state. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to indicate a period without a set end.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

14%

Vice

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indefinite amount of time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a duration that is unspecified or uncertain. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase effectively communicates a lack of precise knowledge regarding the length of an event. Its neutral register allows for use across various contexts, including news, academia, and general communication. Remember to use this phrase when you need to indicate that a duration is not fixed or known, and avoid confusing it with the concept of infinity. Consider alternatives like "undetermined period" or "unspecified duration" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undetermined period

Focuses on the lack of a set end point, simplifying the original phrase.

unspecified duration

Highlights the absence of a defined length.

unknown timeframe

Emphasizes the uncertainty regarding the timing or schedule involved.

protracted duration

Implies a long, extended period.

extended period

Focuses on the length of time involved, without specifying its limits.

unfixed term

Emphasizes the lack of a set end date or condition.

open-ended timeframe

Highlights that there is no predetermined conclusion.

unforeseeable future

Shifts the focus to the unpredictability of events.

in the long run

Implies a distant or unspecified future point.

down the line

Suggests a future point without a clear date.

FAQs

How can I use "indefinite amount of time" in a sentence?

You can use "indefinite amount of time" to describe situations where the duration is unknown or not specified. For example, "The project is postponed for an indefinite amount of time" or "The road will be closed for an indefinite amount of time due to construction".

What's a good alternative to "indefinite amount of time"?

Alternatives include "undetermined period", "unspecified duration", or "unknown timeframe". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "indefinite period" or "indefinite amount of time"?

Both "indefinite period" and "indefinite amount of time" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference and the flow of your writing.

Does "indefinite amount of time" imply a very long duration?

While "indefinite amount of time" indicates an unspecified duration, it doesn't necessarily mean a very long one. It simply means the duration is not fixed or known. The actual length could be short, medium, or long, depending on the situation.